Terrorist Groups

Terrorist Groups: Discussion and Insights
1. Should separatist/nationalist terrorist groups be dealt with differently than religious or political terrorists? What strategies might be most appropriate?
The approaches adopted in dealing with nationalist terrorist groups ought to differ from those used to repress religious or political terrorists. In essence, nationalist terrorism, according to Sanchez-Cuenca (2007) seeks enhanced autonomy or independence for a specified territory. For this reason, “the combination of territorial claims and armed struggle gives rise to a very definite strategy, violence intended to coerce the State” (Sanchez-Cuenca, 2007). On the other hand, religious terrorism and political terrorism are often based on objectives that have religious or political connotations respectively. Given their diverse motivations, the various kinds of terrorism utilize distinctive strategies and approaches to attain their objectives. Nationalist terrorist groups, for instance, seek to break the will of the State by killing repeatedly (Sanchez-Cuenca, 2007). Religious terrorism mostly consists of committing acts meant to terrify those targeted into embracing a perspective that is often founded on religious scriptures and in some instances, geopolitical undercurrents. Thus, each of the terror formations ought to be dealt with differently. Towards this end, there are strategies that would be most appropriate in dealing with separatist/nationalist terrorist groups. As the Council of Foreign Relations – CFR (2006) points out, the basic concept of most nations such as the U.S. in dealing with nationalist terrorist formations has been refusal to negotiate. CFR, however, states that this strategy is doomed to fail given the realities of politics in the modern day. For this reason, ceasefire talks may be the more effective approach in dealing with separatist/nationalist terrorist groups. Ceasefire negotiations could be brokered by regional or international powers with an aim of establishing central truths about the conflict so as to find common ground. In so doing, the relevant courses of action must be implemented to not only halt violence, but also prevent a resurgence of the same.
2. The Middle East has been a hotbed of terrorist activity from all sides. There are many factors contributing to this. Choose and discuss three major contributing factors to the unrest and violence in this region of the world.
One of the main contributing factors to terrorism activity in the Middle East is Iran’s support for terror formations. According to Levitt (2015), Iran has been known to advance its regional power via its support for a number of non-state surrogates. These proxies include, but they are not limited to Houthi insurgents in Yemen, Gaza’s Hamas, and Lebanon’s/Syria’s Hezbollah. In essence, all the groups highlighted above continue to partake in terror activities. It is instructive to note that Iran has been cited by President Trump as an important sponsor of terrorism.
Yet another contributing factor to violence and unrest in the region is youth unemployment. In seeking to assess the relationship between terrorism and youth unemployment in the MENAP region (i.e. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan), Bagchi and Paul (2018) found out that “youth unemployment increases domestic terrorism in MENAP countries” (9). Lack of job opportunities in the Middle East exposes youths to idleness and makes them easy targets for radicalization purposes. Further, a high unemployment rate means a steady flow of manpower for those recruiting foreign and domestic fighters.
Lastly, the diverse objectives of various formations seeking to advance partisan, ethnic, as well as national goals appears to stimulate as well as advance acts of criminality and terror in the region. Towards this end, terroristic tendencies are evoked by not only fragmented nationalistic movements, but also by idealists and those advancing a liberation agenda. It should be noted that in this case, the said formations are weak and small and thus unable to engage in organized confrontations. Thus, the only option on this front remains terroristic deportment.
3. Discuss how religious terrorists are different from political terrorists (if you think that they are). Which of the two types of terrorists are more dangerous?
Religious terrorism differs significantly from political terrorism. However, neither kind of terrorism has an assigned definition. This is to say that various definitions have been floated in the past by various authors in an attempt to elucidate on the nature of both. It should be noted, from the onset, that unlike political terrorism, religious terrorism offers few, if any, intervention opportunities (Gregg, 2014). Given their political intent, political terrorists often have a definite agenda that often has its basis on the public affairs of a country or region. For this reason, political terrorism could be viewed as a weapon wielded by those who feel oppressed or left out in some settings. With this in mind, addressing the root cause of the politically motivated violence which could be inclusive of kidnapping, arson, or assassination could come in handy in seeking to rein in political terrorism. On the other hand, it is important to note that terrorism based on religious grounds is often irrational and often results in acts of terror that are not only indiscriminant, but also unrestrained. Jean-Francois Mayer (as cited in Gregg, 2014, p. 36) point out that “when religious beliefs are used for justifying violence, violent actions tend to become endowed with cosmic dimensions, and there is nothing left to restrain them.” This effectively helps explain why religious terrorists are more dangerous than political terrorists.
In the final analysis, however, it should be noted that both kinds of terrorism highlighted above are firmly rooted in psychological warfare. This is to say that the intention of both political and religious terrorists is not the infliction of maximum physical damage. Instead, the overriding goal in both instances is often the imposition of emotional or psychological pain with an aim of shaping their target’s perception of various issues. The utilization of violence (or threats of the same) serves as the much needed fear as well as anxiety factor.
4. Describe how the modern conflict between Israel and Palestine is based on terrorism. Who are the major operational groups? What are the claims of the critics and what are the responses by the defenders of Israeli anti-terrorist strategies?
There are various factors that drive the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These include, but they are not limited to, religious, historical, national, as well as ethnic factors. Taking into consideration the religious factors, the modern conflict between Israel and Palestine is based on terrorism. It is important to note that with reference to Palestine, there are Islamic groups such as Hamas which for religious reasons preach the need to liberate territories they deem holy (Primoratz, 2006). In so doing, they encourage hatred as well as violence against the Jewish people and by extension, Israel. In basic terms, this could be seen as religious terrorism which is, in essence, terrorism that is founded on objectives and intents having a religious inclination or sway. Matters are in this case worsened by heresy disseminated by extremists about the ulterior motives of Israel. Using social media and mainstream media, extremists seek to exuberate tensions by, for instance, triggering talk of a Jewish scheme to destroy certain Muslim artifacts.
It is important to note that there are critics who are of the opinion that Israel has been the beneficiary of unconditional U.S. government support in the conflict (Weil, 2012). For this reason, claims could be made that the world has turned a blind eye to Israeli’s own atrocities in the conflict. When it comes to Israeli anti-terrorism strategies, it should be noted that over time, there has been the formulation of a wide range of measures aimed at deterring terrorism. Intelligence collection and gathering has been instrumental on this front. Israeli government agencies, as Weil (2012) observes, form part of an efficient as well as well-coordinated intelligence network that on a continuous basis makes use of both technical and human means to discern and locate terrorist cells and operatives.
5. Why does endemic terror thrive in Africa? Discuss the evolution of Boko Haram in Africa. What are the goals of Boko Haram? Can the terrorism of Boko Haram be eliminated or controlled?
Endemic terror thrives in Africa for a number of reasons. Some of the said reasons include, but they are not limited to corruption and rampant youth unemployment. Corruption could be deemed an enabler or terror in Africa. As Bagchi and Paul (2017) point out, like organized criminals, terrorists routinely engage in corruption in an attempt to advance their operations. Governments in fragile African states could, for instance, be compromised to bend immigration rules, thus allowing terrorists to easily access a country with an intention of spreading hate or conducting terrorist attacks. This has been witnessed in Kenya whereby radicalized elements from Somalia have in the past gained entry into the country to conduct terror attacks on western installations and interests. Rampant youth unemployment due to both political and economic turmoil is also part of the problem. Unemployed and idle youths are easy targets for radicalization.
Boko Haram remains one of the most prominent jihadist militant movements based in West Africa. In the early 2000s, a religious formation around Mohamed Yusuf was established in Northern Nigeria. This formation that later transformed into a jihadist militant formation was initially seen as a rebellion against western ideals (Nielsen, 2017). Following constant clashes between groups associated with the ideals of Yusuf and security forces, Yusuf was eventually arrested and killed. The unfolding events fuelled resentment and violent reactions and served as a basis for violent insurgency and birth of a jihadist militant organization called Boko Haram (Nielsen, 2017). Today, under the leadership of Abubakar Shekau, the group’s mode of operation has become synonymous with violence, kidnapping, and brutal killings. The stated goal of Boko Haram, according to Campbell (2016) is the destruction of “the secular Nigerian state and its market-based economy.” In essence, the terrorism of Boko Haram can be eliminated. Solutions may not, however, come from military action. Instead, addressing social-economic challenges could prove to be more effective. This would effectively halt the recruitment of future militants, while at the same time possibly triggering mass defections from the militant group.














References
Bagchi, A. & Paul, J.A. (2018). Youth Unemployment and Terrorism in the MENAP (Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan) Region. Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, 64, 9-20.
Campbell, J. (2016). What Makes Boko Haram Run? Retrieved from https://www.cfr.org/expert-brief/what-makes-boko-haram-run
Council of Foreign Relations – CFR (2006). Terrorist Groups and Political Legitimacy. Retrieved from https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/terrorist-groups-and-political-legitimacy
Gregg, H.S. (2014). Defining and Distinguishing Secular and Religious Terrorism. Perspectives on Terrorism, 8(2), 36-51.
Levitt, M. (2015). Hezbollah: The Global Footprint of Lebanon's Party of God. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press.
Nielsen, L.B. (2017). The Boko Haram Insurgency: Evolution, Defeat, and Future Challenges. Retrieved from https://www.krigsvidenskab.dk/the-boko-haram-insurgency-evolution-defeat-and-future-challenges
Primoratz, I. (2006). Terrorism in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A Case Study in Applied Ethics. The Jerusalem Philosophical Quarterly, 55, 27-48.
Sanchez-Cuenca, I. (2007). The Dynamics of Nationalist Terrorism: ETA and the IRA. Terrorism and Political Violence, 19(3), 289-309.
Weil, A. (2012). Terrorism. New York, NY: Saddleback Educational Publishing.